Two deserts meet in Joshua Tree: the higher Mojave, with its strange yucca “trees” and piles of golden granite boulders, and the lower Colorado Desert, with cholla cactus gardens. It is a playground for climbers, a refuge for artists and one of the best places near Los Angeles to see the Milky Way.
Best things to do in Joshua Tree
Hidden Valley
A 1-mile loop in a valley enclosed by boulders, once used by cattle rustlers — the essential Joshua Tree walk.
Skull Rock
A granite boulder eroded into a skull, by the road; a 1.7-mile trail loops through the rocks around it.
3Keys View
At 5,185 feet, a view over the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault and, on clear days, Mexico. A classic sunset spot.
4Cholla Cactus Garden
A dense field of “teddy bear” cholla glowing at sunrise and sunset. Stay on the path: the spines detach at a touch.
5Ryan Mountain
The best summit hike: 3 miles return, 1,050 ft up, with a 360° view over the park.
6Stargazing
Find a pull-out away from the West Entrance, turn off your lights and wait 20 minutes: the Milky Way appears. Best on moonless nights.
Joshua Tree entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $30 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $15 |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
- No entry reservation; campgrounds book out on spring weekends.
When to go
Spring is the peak, with wildflowers and cactus blooms from February to April. Fall is warm and calmer. Summer days often pass 100°F (38°C): explore at dawn and dusk. Winter days are crisp and sunny, nights can drop below freezing. Carry water: there is almost none in the park.
Where to stay in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree has no lodges inside the park — only campgrounds — so most visitors rent a desert house or stay in the gateway towns.
Our 2 hotel picks in Joshua Tree
Photos, facilities and tips →
Boutique$$$$29 Palms Inn
Twentynine Palms, 5 minutes from the park’s North Entrance
Adobe bungalows and old cabins around the Oasis of Mara, five minutes from the park’s North Entrance.
Mid-range$$$$Joshua Tree Inn
Joshua Tree village, on Highway 62, 5 miles from the park
A 1949 hacienda-style motel with a courtyard pool and a rock-and-roll story, 5 miles from the park.
Joshua Tree town
$$$$Best for: desert rentals, artsy cafés
Near the West Entrance and Hidden Valley.
Hotels in Joshua Tree town partner linkTwentynine Palms
$$$$Best for: value
Motels and the historic 29 Palms Inn near the North Entrance.
Hotels in Twentynine Palms partner linkPalm Springs
$$$$Best for: pools, mid-century design
An hour away, with resorts and a lively food scene.
Hotels in Palm Springs partner linkWeather in Joshua Tree by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Joshua Tree: your questions
Can you do Joshua Tree as a day trip from Los Angeles?
Yes, though it is 2 h 30 each way. Staying one night lets you see sunset and the stars.
What is the best month to visit Joshua Tree?
March and April for wildflowers and mild weather; October and November are also excellent.
Are there hotels in Joshua Tree National Park?
No, only campgrounds. Stay in Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms just outside.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.